US consumers buck investors' rush to self-driving cars

Still cautious: Consumers still want the ability to manually control a self-driving vehicle.

DETROIT: US consumers still resist the notion of self-driving cars, according to a University of Michigan study released on Monday, the latest sign that investors and automakers may be rushing into a business where demand is limited at best.

General Motors Co's recent acquisition of Silicon Valley startup Cruise Automation for a reported US$1bil (RM4.1bil) has accelerated a stampede by other automakers, suppliers and venture capital firms looking to invest in or acquire new companies developing self-driving technology.